Stan Van Gundy refutes the notion Roy Hibbert has emerged as a better NBA center than Dwight Howard, believing anyone who picks Hibbert out of the two is a prisoner of the moment.

"Come on, that one's not close," Van Gundy said on Thursday. "You could put that question to 30 general managers in the league -- and give them the choice -- and Indiana, out of loyalty, might take Hibbert although I would doubt it. The other 29 would not even hesitate. Everybody's taking Dwight."

Van Gundy coached Howard for five seasons with the Orlando Magic.

Despite coming off back surgery and dealing with a shoulder injury throughout this season, Howard averaged 17.1 points and a league-best 12.4 rebounds.